I watch as she swallows, the column of her throat sexy as hell. “Yeah, that would be fine.”
“Thank you for agreeing to see me today, Larissa. I can’t remember a day that I’ve enjoyed more.” Leaning in, I kiss the corner of her mouth. “Drive safe.” With that, I step back and open her door. I stand there until she drives away, watching until I can no longer see her.
I really like this girl.
I’ve been sitting on the couch with my laptop for the last four hours. My eyes are tired, and my stomach just growled. I’m feeling pretty good about where I am with my classes. It’s been a productive evening. I refused to think about Easton, pushing him out of my mind. If not, I knew I’d get nothing done. Now here I am at almost ten in the evening, and my studying is not only caught up, but I’m ahead. I don’t know that I’ve ever been ahead before. I shut down my laptop and stack my binder and notebooks on the end table when my phone rings.
Easton.
I take a deep breath to tamp down the excitement of seeing his name on my screen. I’m acting like a teenager, but I can’t seem to control it where he’s concerned. “Hello,” I answer.
“Hey, Ris. How’s studying going?” The deep timbre of his voice washes over me. It’s soothing.
“Good. I’m actually caught up and worked a little ahead. I just put it all away for the night. My eyes are going crossed. I’ve stared at my computer screen long enough.”
“That’s good to hear. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet. I was actually just going to head to the kitchen and see what I could find.”
“I could bring you something.”
“That’s sweet of you, but I can just find something here.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure. How was the rest of your day?” I ask, opening the freezer door. I spot one of the single serve microwave pizzas that P loves and grab it. As quietly as I can, I open the package and place it in the microwave. I don’t want to miss a word he has to say.
“Uneventful. I came home, did some laundry, worked out a little, then went for a swim.”
“Ah, the life of a professional athlete,” I tease.
“More like the life of a man who’s trying really fucking hard not to end up on your doorstep tonight.”
“Oh really?” I ask. I keep my voice calm, but on the inside, I have that feeling, the one that starts in the pit of your stomach and then washed over you. It’s a feeling of longing and want.
“I miss you already. I can’t stop thinking about you, and I know you’re home alone. If it weren’t for the fact that I know you not only need but deserve this free time to get caught up, I’d be pounding down your door.”
“It’s been nice. Don’t get me wrong. I love my daughter, but to actually be caught up and be a little bit ahead of schedule, it feels good. I have to admit.”
“Then my suffering was worth it,” he says dramatically.
“Listen to you,” I say with a laugh. The microwave beeps, and it’s loud. “Sorry, that’s my dinner,” I say.
“What are you having?”
“A frozen microwave pizza.”
“Sounds… delicious?” he asks.
“P loves them. They’re quick and easy. I keep them on hand for those days when cooking just isn’t in the cards. I try to keep her on a balanced diet, so I usually cut up some fruit or open a can of vegetables to go with it.”
“I bet she loves that.” Amusement laces his words.
“The fruit yes, the vegetables not so much. Not unless it’s peas. The kid loves peas
, which is odd.”
“That is kind of odd,” he chuckles. “How is she?”